Frequently Tested Questions With ELABORATED 100% Correct COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
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At least 80 lb (36 kg) and/or at least 18 years old, regard-
How does Region VIII define an adult patient?
less of weight.
What adult vital-sign abnormalities are guidelines for ini- Pulse <60, >130, or irregular; respiratory rate <10, >30, or
tiating ALS care? irregular; systolic BP <90 or >200 mmHg.
Altered mental status/unconsciousness, chest pain, pal-
pitations, seizures, stroke/neurologic deficit, syncope,
Which common complaints usually indicate ALS care? abdominal pain, dyspnea, vaginal bleeding, pregnancy
complications/childbirth, GI bleeding, trauma, and over-
dose/poisoning.
Who may authorize discontinuing or downgrading ALS
Online Medical Direction only.
care?
What does "slow" medication administration mean in Administration over 2 minutes, unless the specific protocol
these SMOs? states otherwise.
What adult systolic BP should normal saline generally be
At least 90 mmHg, based on the clinical presentation.
titrated to maintain?
How frequently should vital signs be reassessed when Every 5 minutes, while closely monitoring for respiratory
titrating fluids for hypotension? changes.
Rapid patient packaging and limited scene time, not faster
What does a load-and-go situation emphasize? driving. Any abbreviated or omitted care must be medical-
ly justified and thoroughly documented.
When uncertain whether withholding or withdrawal rules
Begin treatment and contact Medical Direction.
apply, what should EMS do?
No. Begin or continue treatment, contact Medical Direc-
Can EMS honor a living will by itself?
tion, explain the situation, and follow orders.
Decapitation, rigor mortis without hypothermia, profound
What long-term signs of death qualify an asystolic, pulse-
dependent lividity, decomposition, mummification/putre-
less, nonbreathing patient as obviously dead?
faction, incineration, or frozen state.
, Scene safety/PPE, airway, breathing, circulation/hemor-
What is the basic sequence for the general patient assess- rhage control, disability/neurologic status, exposure, fo-
ment? cused history and exam, initial vital signs, detailed exam
as appropriate, and ongoing ABCD reassessment.
Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent med-
What does SAMPLE stand for in the focused history? ical history, Last oral intake/last menstrual period, and
Events leading to the condition.
Agency/unit, desired destination if ditterent, and lev-
el of care; age, sex, weight; LOC/orientation and GCS;
chief complaint/primary impression, symptoms, mecha-
nism/scene information, and pertinent negatives; BP, HR,
What information should be included in a concise radio
ECG/12-lead, RR, SpO2, EtCO2, temperature, and pain
report?
score; stroke scale/NIHSS, LKW, and glucose when ap-
plicable; pupils, lung sounds, skin; history, medications,
allergies; interventions, medications given, disposition,
destination, and ETA.
How often are ECG interpretation and vital signs docu- At least every 15 minutes and after each ALS intervention;
mented for adult ALS patients? at least every 5 minutes if unstable.
What oxygen saturation is targeted for most adults, and
Most adults: 94-98%. COPD: target 92%.
for patients with COPD?
Uncomplicated MI/STEMI, post-cardiac arrest, acute
In which conditions should hyperoxia be avoided? COPD exacerbation, stroke, and newly born/neonatal re-
suscitation.
Which adult patients should routinely receive a 12-lead Patients with cardiac complaints such as pain or dysrhyth-
ECG? mias, plus syncope and stroke patients.
Normal saline IV at 10 mL/hr or a saline lock; generally
What is the usual adult vascular-access plan during initial
limit attempts to two unless asked to continue or the
medical care?
situation requires more.
4 mg ODT or 4 mg slow IV, one dose only.
, What is the Region VIII adult ondansetron dose for nausea
or vomiting?
How is a conscious adult with a partial airway obstruction Do not interfere with the patient's own attempts to clear
who can still speak managed? the airway; monitor and be ready to intervene.
Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Use 5 chest thrusts instead for
How is a conscious adult who cannot speak because of
a patient in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or
complete airway obstruction treated?
who is morbidly obese. Repeat as needed.
Attempt ventilation. If obstructed, remove only visible ma-
What is the initial approach to an unconscious adult with
terial when appropriate, suction, and repeat attempts to
suspected airway obstruction?
clear the airway.
Visualize with a laryngoscope and use Magill forceps
and/or suction; attempt forced ventilation; then attempt
intubation. If an ET tube is placed but chest rise cannot be
What ALS steps are used if an unconscious adult airway achieved, consider advancing the tube to push the foreign
remains obstructed? body into the right mainstem bronchus, then withdraw the
tube and attempt ventilation. If still obstructed, perform
cricothyroidotomy with high-FiO2 ventilation and trans-
port.
DuoNeb containing albuterol 2.5-3 mg plus ipratropium
What is the mild-to-moderate asthma/COPD treatment?
0.5 mg by nebulizer. If no or partial response, repeat once.
CPAP unless contraindicated with in-line DuoNeb, repeat-
ed as needed, plus magnesium sulfate 2 g infusion in
What is the severe asthma/COPD treatment?
50-100 mL D5W or NS over 10 minutes. Use an IV infusion
pump if available.
What is added when severe asthma/COPD persists de-
Epinephrine 1:1,000, 0.3 mg IM.
spite CPAP, DuoNeb, and magnesium?
What is the treatment for imminent respiratory failure or Intubate, give in-line DuoNeb repeatedly as needed, and,
arrest from asthma/COPD? if not already given, administer magnesium sulfate 2 g